Junkers D.I

File:Junkers J 7 - Ray Wagner Collection Image (20818567523).jpg

The Junkers J 7, prototype of the J 9 / D.I

The Junkers D.I (factory designation J 9) was a monoplane fighter aircraft produced in Germany late in World War I, significant for becoming the first all-metal fighter to enter service. The prototype, a private venture by Junkers named the J 7, first flew on 17 September 1917, going through nearly a half-dozen detail changes in its design during its tests. When it was demonstrated to the Idflieg early the following year it proved impressive enough to result in an order for three additional aircraft for trials. The changes made by Junkers were significant enough for the firm to rename the next example the J 9, which was supplied to the Idflieg instead of the three J 7s ordered.

File:Junkers D.I German First World War all-metal fighter.jpg

Lengthened-fuselage and extended wingspan Junkers D.I (J.9/II) undergoing evaluation

During tests, the J 9 lacked the manoeuvrability necessary for a front-line fighter but was judged fit for a naval fighter and a batch of 12 was ordered. These were supplied to a naval unit by September 1918, which then moved to the Eastern Front after the Armistice.

Variants

J 7

company designation for early prototype variants, one built (three completed as J 9s).

J 9

company designation for late prototypes and production models

J 9/II

company designation for lengthened fuselage version

D.I

Idflieg designation

Surviving aircraft

One example survives and is on display in the Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace, at the Paris–Le Bourget Airport, 11km north of Paris, France. Several copies have been built, including one on display at the Militärhistorisches Museum Flugplatz Berlin-Gatow.

Specifications

File:Junkers D.I 3-view L'Aerophile March,1921.png

Junkers D.I 3-view drawing from L'Aerophile March,1921

See also

Related development

• Junkers J.I
• Junkers CL.I

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

• Fokker V.25
• Zeppelin-Lindau D.I

External links

• Fokker D.VII, Halberstadt CL.IV and Junkers D.I Template:Webarchive
• Junkers D.I at Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace, Le Bourget